> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://localtechnologiesinc.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Merchant chat

The in-app chat lets you communicate directly with a merchant. This is useful for:

* Asking about allergens or ingredients
* Letting the merchant know about a special request for your order
* Following up on an active order
* Inquiring about specific products
* General questions before placing an order

***

## Starting a Conversation

**From a merchant profile:**

1. Open the merchant's profile page
2. Tap the **message icon** in the bottom navigation bar
3. A chat window opens — if this is your first message to this merchant, a new conversation is created automatically

***

## Sending Messages

Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat screen and tap the **send button** (the arrow icon). The button turns coloured as soon as you start typing.

You can send multiple lines of text — the input box expands as you type.

To **copy a message**, long-press any message bubble. A confirmation snackbar appears when the text is copied to your clipboard.

If a message includes an image, tap the image to view it full-size. You can pinch to zoom in.

***

## Use @ to tag specific products

When inside a chat, type **@** to open a pop-up menu with the vendor's products. You can use this function to inquire about specific products. Once you tap the send button, a row of tagged products appears inside the chat. Tap a product card to see its details.

***

## Order Context

When the chat is opened from an active order, a context bar appears at the top of the chat window showing the order ID and its current status. This helps the merchant quickly identify which order you're referring to.

***

## Unread Message Indicators

If the merchant replies while you're away from the chat, a notification badge appears on the relevant order or chat thread to let you know there's a new message waiting.

When you open the chat, your unread indicator is automatically cleared. When you leave the chat, it's also cleared — so the merchant knows you've seen their reply.

***

## Chat History

Your conversation with each merchant is saved. When you return to a previous chat, the last 60 messages are loaded. Scroll up to see older messages in the thread.

***